Our Team

Richard DiMarco

Founder & Board Chair

Richard DiMarco is retired from a career in advanced electronic and telecommunications. Richard has 4 children and 2 grandchildren. He is currently raising his 13-year-old daughter after her mother passed away approximately 2 years ago, unexpectedly.

Richard was educated locally, starting his formal education after turning 30. Richard’sÂ education was received at two universities. At California University of Pennsylvania, he studied and graduated with a degree in automation (robotics). After graduation, Richard was quickly hired by Westinghouse in their Nuclear Services Division. While working for Westinghouse he studied at Point Park University, and received another degree in Electrical Engineering of Technology. Moving on from Westinghouse he began a career in networking and telecommunications, utilizing the skills he learned while working with Westinghouse. He then went on to work as a telecommunications consultant when he took a position with a large cable television provider, Helicon Cable Communications, from Englewood Cliffs, N.J. There heÂ oversaw the startup and day to day operations of their internet business across 10 states. He moved on from Helicon to work for PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, PA,Â in their Network Operations division. Following Richard’s job at PNC, he worked as a private network consultant and later worked as a sales engineer selling Cisco communications equipment for a local VAR, while continuing to work as a private contractor for many Pittsburgh firms.

While Richard worked at Westinghouse he received many letters of accommodation from nuclear power facilities where he was working. He also authored a procedural manual for the removal and installation of a key primary nuclear system.

Richard retired formally in 2010 at the age of 57 to pursue other personal interests. These interests culminated in the founding of Pennsylvania Cannabis Association and a cause he has felt strongly about for most of his adult life. Richard says: “finally I am able to be a part of something I not only like, but I believe in”.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Claudia Post

Executive Director

Claudia is an accomplished entrepreneur and innovator, start-up expert and networker extraordinaire, executive leader, public speaker and workshop presenter with a track record of initiating growth and effecting change in the public and private sectors.

Claudia Post is an award-winning and seasoned leader, business owner, nonprofit executive and experienced problem solver with the ability to steer change and transform organizations. As a dynamic strategic thinker and influential change agent, Post consistently demonstrates commitment, leadership and vision. She has proven her effectiveness in cultivating and leveraging professional relationships throughout organizations and across industries.

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Jessica Schwab

VP of Internal Operations

Matt Reichert

VP of External Operations

Heather Broman

Secretary

Heather Broman serves as the Secretary of the PCA Board and also serves on the board of the Pittsburgh Equality Center.
She is a vocal advocate for Medical Cannabis, especially for its use in treating Opioid Addiction.
She serves as the Director of Technology for a local team applying for both Grower Processor and Dispensary licenses in Southwest PA,
and currently works as the Director of Business Operations for an Electrical Insulation company based in Pittsburgh, PA. Prior to this role,
she worked as a consultant for one of the fastest growing consulting firms in PA and for J.P. Morgan Chase in Columbus, OH.
Heather graduated with her M.S. in Information & Security Assurances for Information Technology and a B.A. in Social Sciences from Robert Morris University.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano, soccer, and walking along the local trails with her wife and their 2 lab mixes.

Beverly Alward, RN, BSN

Education Chair

Beverly is a Registered Nurse who has been working in the medical field over 24 years. She is a wife, mother of two handsome and smart boys, and a long standing patient advocate. Her journey into medical marijuana comes from many years of watching patients prescribed treatment plans that do not meet all the needs of the patient and their disease or condition. Beverly holds the belief that there are alternative therapies that work and can be used in conjunction with modern medical treatments. As a mother of a son with Sensory Processing Disorder, she has spent countless hours researching the treatment options for her son and concluded that medical marijuana will not cause the side effects that pharmacological interventions are known for and chose not to give her son despite repeated physician recommendations. This information led Beverly to realize that others have the same concerns and that medical marijuana can, and has been proven, to help a whole host of conditions. “Medical marijuana is no longer taboo. Patients can now get necessary treatments legally and should not have to suffer the long list of side effects associated with traditional medication. Patients and their needs should always come first in medicine.” Beverly has over 15 years management experience including policy formation and revision. She was a Corporate Compliance Officer for many years, a Staff Developer and Educator most of her career, and a patient advocate for over 24 years. She holds degrees from Central Carolina Community College, a BSN from Fayetteville State University, and a Business Management Certificate from The Sawyer School. Beverly also attended the Canna Training University in Colorodo where she earned a Master Certificate in Cannabis. Beverly is a current member of the American Nurses Association, the Pensylvania Nurses Association, and the American Cannabis Nurses Association.

Carol Black

Membership Chair

Carol Black, owner of Carol Black & Associates, LLC has been a licensed insurance agent since 2004. After working as a captive agent for other companies, Carol used her expertise and know-how to open her own independent insurance agency. Having 20 years experience in the health care industry, Carol has gained a reputation that has eclipsed her trademark, Ask Carol Black.

She is a resource in her community; while priding herself on going above and beyond and continues to devote her time and plethora of knowledge to her clients as well as her associates.

At Carol Black & Associates, LLC, combined with years of experience, proper management and reputable agents, we strive to deliver exceptional customer service to our clients in addition to accommodating their insurance needs with the appropriate products. Carol Black has earned several awards and honors, recognizing her skills, and abilities.

Specializing in Medicare Advantage and Supplements, Carol Black & Associates, LLC partnered with highly rated insurance carriers, is equipped to cater to many different demographics with a wide spectrum of coverage. These include but not limited to, Life, Final Expense, Health, DI, Home, Auto and Business.

Dr. Bryan Doner

Medical Chair

Dr. Bryan Doner is the CEO and Co-Founder of Compassionate Certification Centers, a medical marijuana marketing and consulting company that offers the educational resources, guidance, and leadership, needed to service providers and patients in states where medical marijuana is legal, as well as states with pending legislation.

Dr. Doner received his undergraduate education at Denison University and completed a graduate program in Medical Sciences at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He then completed his medical education at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, immediately followed by residency training in Emergency Medicine at Saint Vincent Health System (Erie, PA).

In addition to Emergency Medicine, Dr. Doner has undergone extensive, fellowship level training in both Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine, a Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Care Specialist (CHWS) by the American Board of Wound Healing, and a Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association (FAPWCA).

Dr. Doner also serves as the President/CEO of D&P Medical Group, as well as the Medical Co-Director of the Wound & Hyperbaric Center, Medical Director of the Primary Stroke Center, and attending Emergency Physician at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital outside of Pittsburgh, PA.

He is a member of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, Americanâ€™s for Safe Access, and the Society of Cannabis Clinicians.

Dr. Doner currently practices clinically in multiple states, and has active medical licenses in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. He is currently certified to attest for medical marijuana in New York, and soon Pennsylvania and Ohio. He has attended numerous symposiums and educational events regarding medical marijuana and research, oftentimes serving as a speaker or panel member. As an advocate for Medical Marijuana and as a clinical researcher, Dr. Doner is especially interested in future research within this industry.